Cheese Stars

On Tuesday I went over to my friend Chantel's house to attempt what some might consider "crazy";
a Christmas baking day.
with 5 children.
that's right.
FIVE.

It was an incredible feat and a lot of fun! And...we made a double batch of my Cheese Stars.

I've blogged about these Christmas favourites for several years now {I've made them every year since I've been married!} but never published the recipe. So here it is for your baking {and eating} pleasure.
Enjoy!

Cheese Stars

1/2 cup butter
2 cups grated old cheddar
1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper {don't skimp on the cayenne!}
1/2 tsp salt
1 egg, beaten
1/2 cup finely chopped walnuts

Preheat oven to 375 F.
With an electric mixer, cream butter. Stir in grated cheeses.
In a separate bowl, mix flour, cayenne and salt. Add the cheese mixture and mix well.
Knead the mixture a few times on a lightly floured board. Divide in four. Roll one piece out to about 1/8 inch thick, be sure there is enough flour to release dough from your working surface.
Cut out star shapes on an ungreased cookie sheet. {Or whatever shape you want, but then they won't be cheese stars if you make moons. Or trees. Or motorcycles.} When the cookie sheet is full, brush each shape with egg, then sprinkle with chopped walnuts.
Bake for about 6-8 minutes or until golden brown. Warm in a moderate oven before serving.
Makes about 8 dozen 2 inch shapes.

Enjoy!